Sprinter training device

ABSTRACT

A training device for preventing a user from clinching their fist. The device may include a rigid body having a palm portion and a finger portion. The rigid body may cover the metacarpo-phalangeal joints of the hands, preventing the user from bending the knuckles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device used for training for running and, more particularly, to a device that prevents a user from closing their hand in a fist.

Sprints are short running events in athletics and track and field. Races over short distances are among the oldest running competitions. Naturally, sprinters and runners tend to clinch their hands while running. However, clinching hands causes tension in the arms and shoulders. The tension causes improper running form.

As can be seen, there is a need for a device that prevents the improper running form.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a training device comprises: a rigid body comprising a palm portion and a finger portion extending from the palm portion, wherein the rigid body is configured to at least cover the metacarpo-phalangeal joints of a user's hands; a securing component attached to the rigid body that is configured to secure the palm portion to a user's palm.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a section view of the present invention, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a training device for preventing a user from clinching their fist. The device may include a rigid body having a palm portion and a finger portion. The rigid body may cover the metacarpo-phalangeal joints of the hands, preventing the user from bending the knuckles.

The present invention may include a sprint training glove that may keep a user's hand extended in perfect running form while training. The present invention may include a plastic mold that fits on the palm of the user and prevents the user from bending their knuckles and clinching their hand in a fist. In certain embodiments, the present invention may be used while training or competing to keep the hands extended and the body relaxed in good running form.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 4, the present invention may include a rigid body 14. The rigid body 14 may be made from a polymer, such as plastic, or any other suitable material. The rigid body 14 may include at least a finger portion 16, and a palm portion 18. The palm portion 18 may be secured to the palm of a user. The finger portions 16 may extend from the palm 18 and cover the metacarpo-phalangeal joints of the hands. Therefore, the rigid body 14 may prevent the knuckles from bending when the rigid body 14 is secured to a hand. In certain embodiments, the finger portions 18 may cover the proximal interphalangeal joints and in certain embodiments, may cover the distal interphalangeal joints and thereby constricting the entire finger from bending.

In certain embodiments, the rigid body 14 may further include a wrist portion 20 extending from the bottom of the palm portion 18. The wrist portion 20 may substantially cover the wrist of a user and may thereby prevent a user from bending their wrist.

The rigid body 14 of the present invention may be secured to a user's hands by a securing component. As illustrated in FIG. 2, an embodiment of the present invention may include a training glove 10. The training glove 10 may include the rigid body 14 attached to and/or within a glove 12. In certain embodiments, the rigid body 14 may be stitched to the inside or outside of the glove 12. The glove 12 may be a stretchable material. A user may thereby wear the glove 10 with the rigid body 14 pressed against the user's palms, preventing the user from clinching their fist. The securing component may further include at least one strap having a first end and a second end attached to the rigid body 14. In certain embodiments, the strap may include a hook and loop fastener, a clip, button and the like.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

1. A training device comprising: a rigid body comprising a palm portion, a finger portion, and a thumb portion, wherein the finger portion and the thumb portion extend from the palm portion, wherein the rigid body is configured to at least cover the metacarpo-phalangeal joints of a user's fingers and thumb; a securing component attached to the rigid body that is configured to secure the palm portion to a user's palm.
 2. The training device of claim 1, wherein the securing portion comprises a glove.
 3. The training device of claim 2, wherein the rigid body is sewn to the glove.
 4. The training device of claim 3, wherein the rigid body is sewn to the inside of the glove.
 5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the rigid body further comprises a wrist portion configured to cover at least a portion of a user's wrist. 